Seals for closet collars

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a toilet horn receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. A sealing rim is positioned at an upper end of the toilet horn receptacle, and at least a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the upper end of the toilet horn receptacle towards a center axis of the sealing rim. A funnel extends from the lower end of the toilet horn receptacle, and a channel wall circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle. The channel wall and at least the toilet horn receptacle form a continuous annular receptacle. A foam sealing component is disposed in the continuous annular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing component circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle and such that the channel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of the foam sealing component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to and thebenefit of, U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/407,620entitled “SEALS FOR CLOSET COLLARS” filed on Jan. 17, 2017, which is acontinuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/974,918 filed on Aug. 23, 2013. This application is also related toU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/771,773 filed onFeb. 20, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/600,794 filed onFeb. 20, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/667,377 filedon Jul. 2, 2012. Each of these applications is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A closet collar facilitates a connection between a toilet and a drainpipe. The closet collar may retain bolts that are used to fasten thetoilet to the floor. Due to various circumstances, the closet collar maybe installed at various levels with respect to the top surface of thefloor. As a result, it may be difficult to install a toilet without aleaky seal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIGS. 1A-1C are drawings of closet collar installations according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2B are drawings of a first example of a sealing assembly forone or more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3C are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIGS. 2A-2B according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of a second example of a sealing assembly for one ormore of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a third example of a sealing assembly for one ormore of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a drawing of a fourth example of a sealing assembly for one ormore of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a drawing of a cover for a sealing assembly according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a drawing of a fifth example of a sealing assembly for one ormore of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a drawing of a sixth example of a sealing assembly for one ormore of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a drawing of a seventh example of a sealing assembly for oneor more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A-11B are drawings of an eighth example of a sealing assemblyfor one or more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1Caccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12B are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIGS. 11A-11B according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 13A-13B are drawings of a ninth example of a sealing assembly forone or more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 14A-14B are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIGS. 13A-13B according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 15A-15B are drawings of a tenth example of a sealing assembly forone or more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 16A-16B are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIGS. 15A-15B according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a drawing of an eleventh example of a sealing assembly forone or more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 18A-18B are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIG. 17 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

19A-19B are drawings of a twelfth example of a sealing assembly for oneor more of the closet collar installations of FIGS. 1A-1C according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20A-20C are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIGS. 19A-19B according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 21A-21B are drawings depicting a thirteenth example of a sealingassembly for one or more of the closet collar installations of FIGS.1A-1C according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 22A-22B are drawings depicting an installation of the sealingassembly of FIGS. 21A-21B according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart representing an example of a portion of thefunctionality performed in association with a sealing assembly accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1A, shown is a cross-section of an example of acloset collar 100 upon which a toilet may be installed. The closetcollar 100 is shown relative to a finished floor 103. The closet collar100 provides a passage between the toilet and a drain pipe 106. As such,waste can travel from the toilet, through the closet collar 100, throughthe drain pipe 106, and to a sewage system (not shown).

The closet collar 100 comprises a closet collar flange 109 that servesas a connection point between the closet collar 100 and the toilet. Inthis regard, toilet bolts may attach the toilet to the closet collarflange 109 of the closet collar 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A,the closet collar 100 is positioned with respect to the finished floor103 so that the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100 isflush with the surface of the finished floor 103. Such a situation mayoccur, for example, when the closet collar 100 is installed onsubflooring and then finished floor 103 is installed around the closetcollar 100. For instance, ceramic tile or other types of finished floor103 may be installed on subflooring, resulting in the closet collarflange 109 of the closet collar 100 being flush with the finished floor103.

With reference to FIG. 1B, shown is a situation in which the closetcollar 100 is installed so that the closet collar flange 109 is recessedin the finished floor 103. Such a situation may occur, for example, whenthe closet collar 100 is installed on subflooring and then relativelythick finished floor 103 is installed around the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIG. 1C, shown is another installation configurationof the closet collar 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C, the closetcollar flange 109 of the closet collar 100 is above the finished floor103. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, variousmechanisms are described that may be used with one or more of theinstallation situations for the closet collar 100 that are shown inFIGS. 1A-1C.

With reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, shown is an example of a sealing assembly200 that can be used to provide a seal for a toilet and/or a closetcollar 100. In particular, FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of thesealing assembly 200, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-section of the sealingassembly 200. The sealing assembly 200 in various embodiments maycomprise a flexible membrane. For example, the sealing assembly 200 maybe constructed of polyvinylchloride (PVC) rubber, thermoplasticelastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), styrene-butadiene rubber(SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic,neoprene, foam rubber, silicone, and/or any other suitable material. Invarious embodiments, the sealing assembly 200 may comprise one or morerigid components that provide structural support for regions of thesealing assembly 200. For instance, a flexible membrane may be formedover one or more rigid components, one or more rigid components may beformed over a flexible membrane, or a rigid component may be attached toa flexible membrane using any other suitable method.

The sealing assembly 200 is configured to facilitate the formation ofone or more seals for the closet collar 100 and/or the toilet. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the sealing assembly 200 forms achannel wall 203, a toilet horn receptacle 206, a funnel 209, a sealingrim 213, and ears 216 a-216 b. The channel wall 203 in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 2A-2B circumscribes the toilet horn receptacle 206 andthe funnel 209. Additionally, the channel wall 203 in the presentembodiment may include a bend 219. The bend 219 may facilitate thesealing assembly 200 flexing in one or more locations. To facilitatesuch flexing, the portion of the sealing assembly 200 that forms thebend 219 may be relatively thin as compared to one or more otherportions of the sealing assembly 200.

The toilet horn receptacle 206 is configured to receive the toilet hornthat is located on the bottom of the toilet. The sealing rim can bepositioned at a first end of the toilet horn receptacle wall 207 asillustrated in the example of FIG. 2A. The sealing rim 213 is a portionof the sealing assembly 200 that is configured to contact the toilethorn and to form a seal for the toilet. In various embodiments, theportion of the sealing assembly 200 that forms the toilet hornreceptacle 206 may be more rigid than the portions of the sealingassembly 200 that form the channel wall 203 and/or the sealing rim 213.To this end, the thickness of the portion of the sealing assembly 200that forms the toilet horn receptacle 206 may be relatively thick ascompared to other portions of the sealing assembly 200. Additionally oralternatively, the portion of the sealing assembly 200 that forms thetoilet horn receptacle 206 may be made relatively rigid by attaching arigid component, such as a plastic hoop or other type of rigid element,to the toilet horn receptacle 206 or by embedding a rigid component inthe sealing assembly 200. It is noted that in various embodiments, thesealing rim 213 may be omitted, and/or a sealing compound may be used tofacilitate the formation of a seal for the sealing assembly 200 and thetoilet.

The funnel 209 is a portion of the sealing assembly 200 that isconfigured to be inserted into the passageway of the closet collar 100.The funnel 209 can comprise a transition 210 between a second end of thetoilet horn receptacle wall 207 and a lower portion of the funnel 209.As shown in the example of FIG. 2A, the transition can extend inwardfrom the second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall 207 towards acenter axis (dashed line). Additionally, the funnel 209 forms apassageway through which waste from the toilet can flow to the drainpipe 106. According to various embodiments, the portion of the sealingassembly 200 that forms the funnel 209 may be more rigid than theportions of the sealing assembly 200 that form the channel wall 203and/or the sealing rim 213. To this end, the thickness of the portion ofthe sealing assembly 200 that forms the funnel 209 may be greater thanthe thickness of the portions of the sealing assembly 200 that form thechannel wall 203 and/or the sealing rim 213. Additionally oralternatively, the portion of the sealing assembly 200 that forms thefunnel 209 may be made more rigid than other portions of the sealingassembly 200 by attaching a rigid component to the funnel 209 or byembedding a rigid component in the sealing assembly 200.

The ears 216 a-126 b may be attached to the channel wall 203 and mayfacilitate attaching the end of the channel wall 203 to the closetcollar 100. To this end, the ears 216 a-216 b may include openingsthrough which respective toilet bolts can be inserted.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the channel wall 203, the toilethorn receptacle 206, and the funnel 209 form a channel 223. The portionof the sealing assembly 200 that forms the channel 223 may be flexibleor rigid. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the channel 223 is acontinuous annular receptacle.

According to various embodiments, one or more sealing components 226 maybe disposed in the channel 223. As non-limiting examples, petrolatum,wax, foam, rubber, a sealed bladder, and/or any other suitable materialcan be disposed in the channel 223, which can adhere to at least onesurface of the channel 233. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, apetrolatum has been disposed in the channel 223.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3C, shown are cross-section views depicting aprogression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 200 that is shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. Beginningwith FIG. 3A, shown is a first drawing depicting the progression of thetoilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100. FIG. 3A shows thesealing assembly 200 in relation to the closet collar 100, the finishedfloor 103, the drain pipe 106, and a portion of the toilet 300.

As shown, the sealing assembly 200 has been positioned over the closetcollar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in thechannel 223 of the sealing assembly 200 has not yet been deformed orextruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in FIG.2B.

The toilet bolts 309 a-309 b that extend through the closet collarflange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through thecorresponding ears 216 a-216 b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309 a-309 bthrough the corresponding ears 216 a-216 b may facilitate the properalignment of the sealing assembly 200 with respect to the closet collar100.

As shown, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 200 sothat the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206.Additionally, toilet bolt receptacles 313 a-313 b in the toilet 300 arealigned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309 a-309 b.

With reference to FIG. 3B, shown is a second drawing representing theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar100. As compared to FIG. 3A, the toilet 300 has been lowered towards thefinished floor 103. As a result, the sealing rim 213 has been flexedaround the toilet horn 303 and forced towards the closet collar 100. Inturn, the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced towards the closetcollar 100, and the funnel 209 has been forced further into the closetcollar 100 towards the drain pipe 106.

The toilet bolts 309 a-309 b may be inserted into the ears 216 a-216 bso that the end of the channel wall 203 that is near the ears 216 a-216b may maintain contact with the closet collar flange 109 of the closetcollar 100. Additionally, because the funnel 209 and the toilet hornreceptacle 206 have been forced towards the drain pipe 106, the channelwall 203 may be flexed about the bend 219 and/or at other locations.

Thus, the sealing assembly 200 has been compressed between the toilet300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, a portion of the sealingcomponent 226 has been extruded by the sealing assembly 200 into theregion between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100 as shown.

With reference to FIG. 3C, shown is a third drawing depicting theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed using the sealing assembly200. As compared to FIG. 3B, the toilet 300 has been lowered so that itcontacts the finished floor 103. Additionally, the toilet hornreceptacle 206 has forced the sealing rim 213 and the toilet hornreceptacle 206 further towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, thesealing rim 213 has made a seal with respect to the toilet 300. Thus,liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passing between the sealingassembly 200 and the toilet 300.

Because the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced further towardsthe drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into thecloset collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Since the funnel 209 andthe toilet horn receptacle 206 have been forced further towards thedrain pipe 106, the channel wall 203 has been flexed further about thebend 219 and/or at other locations.

Thus, the sealing assembly 200 has been further compressed between thetoilet 300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, more of the sealingcomponent 226 has been extruded from the sealing assembly 200 to theregion between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100, as compared tothat shown in FIG. 3B. Thus, liquids and/or gasses may be prevented frompassing between the sealing assembly 200 and the closet collar 100.

With reference now to FIG. 4, shown is a cross section of anotherexample of the sealing assembly 200 according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the sealingassembly 200 comprises multiple sealing components 226, referred toherein as the first sealing component 226 a and the second sealingcomponent 226 b. The first sealing component 226 a is located in thechannel 223 between the sections of the sealing assembly 200 that formthe toilet horn receptacle 206 and the channel wall 203, and the secondsealing component 226 b is located in the channel 223 between thesections of the sealing assembly 200 that form the funnel 209 and thechannel wall 203. The second sealing component 226 b may comprise, forexample, petrolatum, wax, foam, rubber, a sealed bladder, and/or anyother suitable material that can form a seal for the closet collar 100.The first sealing component 226 a may comprise a material that providesmore resistance to compression as compared to the second sealingcomponent 226 b. To this end, the first sealing component 226 a maycomprise for example, petrolatum, wax, foam, rubber, a sealed bladder,and/or any other suitable material that provides more resistance tocompression than the second sealing component 226 b. As a result of itsrelative resistance to compression, the first sealing component 226 amay provide structural support for the toilet horn receptacle 206.

With reference to FIG. 5, shown is a cross section of another example ofthe sealing assembly 200 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the sealing component 226comprises a sealed bladder 500. The sealed bladder 500 is configured tobe compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100 to form aseal for the closet collar 100. To this end, the sealing assembly 200 inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 5 comprises a sealing wall 503 that extendsfrom the funnel 209 to the channel wall 203 as shown. To facilitate thesealing wall 503 being flexible, the sealing wall 503 may be relativelythin relative to the portions of the sealing assembly 200 that form thefunnel 209 and/or the toilet horn receptacle 206.

The sealed bladder 500 may contain various substances according tovarious embodiments. For example, the sealed bladder 500 may containair, water, petrolatum, wax, gel, and/or any other suitable substance.Additionally, in various embodiments, the substance contained within thesealed bladder 500 can be a sealant that is configured to seal thesealed bladder 500 if the sealed bladder 500 ruptures.

When the sealing assembly 200 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is compressedbetween the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100, the sealed bladder 500is compressed. As a result, the sealing wall 503 may be forced into aregion between the closet collar 100 and the sealing assembly 200. Inturn, the sealing wall 503 may form a seal between the funnel 209 andthe closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented frompassing between the sealing assembly 200 and the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIG. 6, shown is a cross section of another example ofa sealing assembly 200 according to various embodiments. The sealingassembly 200 shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the sealing assembly 200 thatis shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. However, the sealing assembly 200 shown in FIG.6 further comprises a hoop 600. The hoop 600 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 is embedded in the channel wall 203. In alternative embodiments,the hoop 600 may be, for example, attached to the exterior or interiorside of the channel wall 203.

The hoop 600 may provide structural support for the end of the channelwall 203 that forms the outer edge of the channel wall 203. The hoop 600may also facilitate forming and maintaining a seal for the closet collar100. In this regard, the hoop 600 may restrict the end of the channelwall 203 from deforming when the sealing assembly 200 is compressedbetween the toilet 300 and the closet collar flange 109. Thus, the hoopmay facilitate maintaining the end of the channel wall 203 against thecloset collar flange 109. In turn, this may prevent the sealingcomponent 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly 200 andthe closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealing component 226 maybe forced down between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIG. 7, shown is a perspective view of an example ofthe sealing assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B and a cover 700 accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. The cover 700 isconfigured to attach to the sealing assembly 200. To this end, the cover700 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a lip 703 that may fitover the sides of the ears 216 a-216 b and the channel wall 203 of thesealing assembly 200. The cover 700 may prevent the sealing component226 from becoming separated from the sealing assembly 200 during, forexample, shipping or storage of the sealing assembly 200. For instance,if the sealing component 226 is petrolatum, the cover 700 may preventthe petrolatum from flowing out of the sealing assembly 200 if thepetrolatum melts. According to various embodiments, the cover 700 maycomprise, for example, paper, plastic, metal, or any other suitablematerial.

With reference to FIG. 8, shown is a cross section of another example ofa sealing assembly 200 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The sealing assembly 200 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to thesealing assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. For example, the sealingassembly 200 forms a channel 223 in which a sealing component 226, suchas petrolatum or any other type of sealing substance, can be disposed.However, the channel 223 in FIG. 8 is positioned between the funnel 209and the channel wall 203. To this end, the channel wall 203 extends fromthe bottom of the toilet horn receptacle 206, and the channel wall 203circumscribes the funnel 209.

With reference to FIG. 9, shown is a perspective view of another sealingassembly 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.The sealing assembly 200 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the sealingassembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. However, the sealing assembly 200shown in FIG. 9 includes a sealing assembly flange 900 instead of theears 216 a-216 b. The sealing assembly flange 900 is, for example, aportion of the sealing assembly 200 that is attached to andcircumscribes the end of the channel wall 203. In some embodiments, thesealing assembly flange 900 may comprise a rigid material and may beremovably or permanently affixed to the sealing assembly 200. Thesealing assembly flange 900 may also include one or more bolt holes 903a-903 b or slots through which the toilet bolts 309 a-309 b may insert.

The sealing assembly flange 900 may provide structural support for theend of the channel wall 203 that is near the sealing assembly flange900. The sealing assembly flange 900 may also facilitate forming andmaintaining a seal for the closet collar 100. In this regard, thesealing assembly flange 900 may restrict the end of the channel wall 203from deforming when the sealing assembly 200 is compressed between thetoilet 300 and the closet collar flange 109. Thus, the sealing assemblyflange 900 may facilitate maintaining the end of the channel wall 203against the closet collar flange 109. In turn, this may prevent thesealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly200 and the closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealing component226 may be forced down between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIG. 10, shown is a perspective view of anotherexample of the sealing assembly 200 according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The sealing assembly 200 in the embodiment shownin FIG. 10 is similar to the sealing assembly 200 in the embodimentshown in FIG. 9. However, the sealing assembly 200 in the embodimentshown in FIG. 10 further comprises protrusions 1003 a-1003 b that extendfrom the surface of the sealing assembly flange 900.

As shown in FIG. 10, a ring 1006 is associated with the sealing assembly200. According to various embodiments, the ring 1006 may be rigid. Tothis end, the ring 1006 may comprise, for example, plastic, metal,and/or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the ring 1006may be attached to the sealing assembly 200 by a friction fit. The ring1006 is configured to be positioned on the sealing assembly flange 900and to attach the sealing assembly flange 900 to the closet collarflange 109. As such, the ring 1006 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10includes ring holes 1009 a-1009 b through which the protrusions 1003a-1003 b may be inserted. When the protrusions 1003 a-1003 b areinserted into the respective ring holes 1009 a-1009 b, the ring 1006 maybe positioned flat against the sealing assembly flange 900.Additionally, the toilet bolts 309 a-309 b may be inserted into the ringholes 1009 a-1009 b. In alternative embodiments, the ring 1006 may beembedded within the sealing assembly 200, the ring 1006 may be moldedover the sealing assembly 200, or the ring 1006 may be attached to thesealing assembly 200 using any other suitable method.

When the toilet 300 is installed over the sealing assembly 200 and thering 1006, the ring 1006 in conjunction with the sealing assembly flange900 may restrict the end of the channel wall 203 from deforming when thesealing assembly 200 is compressed between the toilet 300 and the closetcollar 100. Thus, the ring 1006 in conjunction with the sealing assemblyflange 900 may facilitate maintaining the end of the channel wall 203against the closet collar flange 109. In turn, this may prevent thesealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealing assembly200 and the closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealing component226 may be forced down between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIGS. 11A-11B, shown is another example of a sealingassembly 200, referred to herein as the sealing assembly 1101, accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.11A shows a perspective view of the sealing assembly 1101, and FIG. 11Bshows a cross section of the sealing assembly 1101. The sealing assembly1101 may be constructed out of, for example, a flexible membrane. Invarious embodiments, one or more rigid components may be attached to theflexible membrane to provide structural support for the various featuresof the sealing assembly 1101.

The sealing assembly 1101 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11A-11Bincludes the channel wall 203, the toilet horn receptacle 206, thefunnel 209, the sealing rim 213, the bend 219, and the ears 216 a-216 b.Additionally, the sealing assembly 1101 comprises a recess wall 1100that forms the channel 223 in conjunction with the channel wall 203.Additionally, the recess wall 1100 and the funnel 209 form a recess 1103when the sealing assembly 1101 is in the position shown in FIGS.11A-11B.

In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or beassociated with various types of components and/or features. Forexample, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated with asealing assembly flange 900, multiple sealing components 226 a-226 b, ahoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, a ring 1006, and/or anothertype of component and/or feature.

When the sealing assembly 1101 is in the configuration shown in FIGS.11A-11B, a first end 1106 of the funnel 209 may align vertically withthe ears 216 a-216 b as shown. Additionally, the second end 1109 of thefunnel 209 is positioned such that there is a distance 1113 between thesecond end 1109 and the channel wall 203. Thus, when the sealingassembly 1101 that is shown in FIGS. 11A-11B is positioned on the closetcollar 100 prior to the toilet 300 being installed, the funnel 209extends above the top part of the channel wall 203, and the toilet hornreceptacle 206 is positioned over the funnel 209 and the channel wall203.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12B, shown are cross-section views of aprogression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 1101 that is shown in FIGS. 11A-11B.Beginning with FIG. 12A, shown is a first drawing depicting theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar100. FIG. 12A shows the sealing assembly 1101 in relation to the closetcollar 100, the finished floor 103, the drain pipe 106, and a portion ofthe toilet 300.

As shown, the sealing assembly 1101 has been positioned over the closetcollar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in thechannel 223 of the sealing assembly 1101 has not yet been deformed orextruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in FIG.11B.

The toilet bolts 309 a-309 b that extend through the closet collarflange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through thecorresponding ears 216 a-216 b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309 a-309 bthrough the corresponding ears 216 a-216 b facilitates the properalignment of the sealing assembly 1101 with respect to the closet collar100. Thus, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 1101so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle206. Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313 a-313 b in the toilet300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309 a-309 b.

With reference to FIG. 12B, shown is a second drawing depicting theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed using the sealing assembly1101. As compared to FIG. 12A, the toilet 300 has been lowered so thatit contacts the finished floor 103. Additionally, the sealing rim 213and the toilet horn receptacle 206 have been forced towards the closetcollar 100. In turn, the funnel 209 has also been forced further intothe closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, thechannel wall 203 and the recess wall 1100 have been extended into thecloset collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Because the channel wall203 has been forced into the closet collar 100, the sealing component226 is extruded from the channel 223 to the region located between thecloset collar 100 and the sealing assembly 1101. It is noted that thesecond end 1109 of the funnel 209 is below the closet collar flange 109.

Thus, the sealing assembly 1101 has been compressed between the toilet300 and the closet collar 100. As a result, the sealing component 226has been extruded and forced downward from the sealing assembly 1101 tothe region between the sealing assembly 1101 and the closet collar 100.Thus, liquids and/or gasses may be prevented from passing between thesealing assembly 1101 and the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIGS. 13A-13B, shown is another example of a sealingassembly 200, referred to herein as the sealing assembly 1301, accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.13A shows a perspective view of the sealing assembly 1301, and FIG. 13Bshows a cross section of the sealing assembly 1301. The sealing assembly1301 may be constructed out of, for example, a flexible membrane. Invarious embodiments, one or more rigid components may be attached to theflexible membrane to provide structural support for the various featuresof the sealing assembly 1301.

The sealing assembly 1301 that is shown in FIGS. 13A-13B is similar tothe sealing assembly 200 that is shown in FIG. 8. For example, thesealing assembly 1301 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13B includesthe channel wall 203, the toilet horn receptacle 206, the funnel 209,the sealing rim 213, the bend 219, and the ears 216 a-216 b. Inaddition, the sealing assembly 1301 forms a pipe extension 1300. Thepipe extension 1300 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-13B is locatedbetween the funnel 209 and the toilet horn receptacle 206. The funnel209 and the pipe extension 1300 have different diameters as shown inFIGS. 13A-13B. In alternative embodiments, the funnel 209 and the pipeextension 1300 may have the same diameter. In the embodiment shown, thechannel wall 203 extends from the location where the funnel 209 and thepipe extension 1300 meet, and the channel wall 203 circumscribes thefunnel 209.

The pipe extension 1300 may be relatively rigid as compared to otherportions of the sealing assembly 1301. To this end, the thickness of thesealing assembly 1301 that forms the pipe extension 1300 may be greaterthan other portions of the sealing assembly 1301. Additionally oralternatively, a rigid hoop, plastic pipe section, or other type ofcomponent may be embedded within the portion of the sealing assembly1301 that forms the pipe extension 1300 to make the pipe extension 1300relatively rigid. In alternative embodiments, a rigid hoop or other typeof component may be attached to the interior or exterior surface of theportion of the sealing assembly 1301 that forms the pipe extension 1300.

In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly 1301 may comprise or beassociated with various types of components and/or features. Forexample, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated with asealing assembly flange 900, multiple sealing components 226 a-226 b, ahoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, a ring 1006, and/or anothertype of component and/or feature.

With reference to FIGS. 14A-14B, shown are cross-section views of aprogression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 1301 that is shown in FIGS. 13A-13B.Beginning with FIG. 14A, shown is a first drawing depicting theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar100. FIG. 14A shows the sealing assembly 1301 in relation to the closetcollar 100, the finished floor 103, the drain pipe 106, and a portion ofthe toilet 300.

As shown, the sealing assembly 1301 has been positioned over the closetcollar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in thechannel 223 of the sealing assembly 1301 has not yet been deformed orextruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in FIG.13B.

When the sealing assembly 1301 is positioned on the closet collar 100before the toilet 300 is installed, the pipe extension 1300 ispositioned above the funnel 209 and the channel 223. Additionally, thetoilet horn receptacle 206 is positioned above the pipe extension 1300and the funnel 209. The toilet bolts 309 a-309 b that extend through thecloset collar flange 109 have been inserted through the correspondingears 216 a-216 b. Inserting the toilet bolts 309 a-309 b through thecorresponding ears 216 a-216 b facilitates the proper alignment of thesealing assembly 1301 with respect to the closet collar 100. Thus, thetoilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 1301 so that thetoilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206.Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313 a-313 b in the toilet 300are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309 a-309 b.

With reference to FIG. 14B, shown is a second drawing of the progressionof the toilet 300 being installed using the sealing assembly 1301. Ascompared to FIG. 14A, the toilet 300 has been lowered so that itcontacts the finished floor 103. Additionally, the toilet hornreceptacle 206 has forced the sealing rim 213 and the toilet hornreceptacle 206 further towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, thesealing rim 213 has made a seal with respect to the toilet 300. Thus,liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passing between the sealingassembly 1301 and the toilet 300.

Because the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced further towardsthe drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into thecloset collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Since the funnel 209 andthe toilet horn receptacle 206 have been forced further towards thedrain pipe 106, the channel wall 203 has flexed further about the bend219 and/or at other locations. Thus, the sealing assembly 1301 has beenfurther compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100. Asa result, at least a portion of the sealing component 226 has beenextruded from the sealing assembly 1301 to the region between the funnel209 and the closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gasses may beprevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1301 and the closetcollar 100.

With reference to FIGS. 15A-15B, shown is another example of a sealingassembly 200, referred to as the sealing assembly 1501, according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 15Ashows a perspective view of the sealing assembly 1501, and FIG. 15Bshows a cross section of the sealing assembly 1501. The sealing assembly1501 may be constructed out of, for example, a flexible membrane. Invarious embodiments, one or more rigid components may be attached to theflexible membrane to provide structural support for the various featuresof the sealing assembly 1501.

The sealing assembly 1501 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A-15Bincludes the channel wall 203, the toilet horn receptacle 206, thefunnel 209, the sealing rim 213, the bend 219, and the sealing assemblyflange 900. In the present embodiment, the entire funnel 209 ispositioned between the channel 223 and the toilet horn receptacle 206when the sealing assembly 1501 is not being compressed by the toilet300.

Additionally, a ring 1006 is associated with the sealing assembly 1501.The ring 1006 may comprise the ring holes 1009 a-1009 b or slots thatare configured to receive the toilet bolts 309 a-309 c. The ring 1006 isconfigured to be positioned over the sealing assembly flange 900 asshown.

In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly 1501 may comprise or beassociated with various types of components and/or features. Forexample, the sealing assembly 1101 may comprise or be associated withears 216 a-216 b, multiple sealing components 226 a-226 b, a hoop 600, asealed bladder 500, a cover 700, and/or another type of component and/orfeature.

With reference to FIGS. 16A-16B, shown are cross-section views of aprogression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 1501 that is shown in FIGS. 15A-15B.Beginning with FIG. 16A, shown is a first drawing representing theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar100. FIG. 16A shows the sealing assembly 1501 in relation to the closetcollar 100, the finished floor 103, the drain pipe 106, and a portion ofthe toilet 300.

As shown, the sealing assembly 1501 has been positioned over the closetcollar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226 contained in thechannel 223 of the sealing assembly 1501 has not yet been deformed orextruded from the channel 223. In this regard, the sealing component 226has the same shape and form as the sealing component 226 shown in FIG.15B.

When the sealing assembly 1501 is positioned on the closet collar 100before the toilet 300 has compressed the sealing assembly 1501, theentire funnel 209 is positioned between the channel 223 and the toilethorn receptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolts 309 a-309 b thatextend through the closet collar flange 109 of the closet collar 100have been inserted through the ring holes 1009 a-1009 b. Inserting thetoilet bolts 309 a-309 b through the corresponding ring holes 1009a-1009 b facilitates the proper alignment of the ring 1006 and thesealing assembly 1501 with respect to the closet collar 100. The toilet300 is then positioned over the sealing assembly 1501 so that the toilethorn 303 is aligned with the toilet horn receptacle 206. Additionally,the toilet bolt receptacles 313 a-313 b in the toilet 300 are alignedwith the corresponding toilet bolts 309 a-309 b.

With reference to FIG. 16B, shown is a second drawing representing theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed using the sealing assembly1501. As compared to FIG. 16A, the toilet 300 has been lowered so thatit contacts the finished floor 103. Additionally, the toilet hornreceptacle 206 has forced the sealing rim 213 and the toilet hornreceptacle 206 further towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, thesealing rim 213 has made a seal with the toilet 300. Thus, liquidsand/or gases may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly1501 and the toilet 300.

Because the toilet horn receptacle 206 has been forced further towardsthe drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 has also been forced further into thecloset collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106. Since the end of thechannel wall 203 is attached to the closet collar flange 109, theportion of the sealing assembly 1501 that forms the funnel 209 hasfolded as shown, thereby shortening the length of the funnel 209.Additionally, the funnel 209 is forced into the closet collar 100towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, the channel wall 203 is alsoforced into the closet collar 100 towards the drain pipe 106, therebyforcing the sealing component 226 to extrude from the channel 223 to theregion between the channel 223 and the closet collar 100. Thus, liquidsand/or gases may be prevented from passing between the closet collar 100and the sealing assembly 1501.

With reference to FIG. 17, shown is another example of a sealingassembly 200, referred to herein as the sealing assembly 1701, accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, shownis a cross section of the sealing assembly 1701 positioned on a sealingcomponent 226. The sealing assembly 1701 may be constructed out of, forexample, a flexible membrane. In various embodiments, one or more rigidcomponents may be attached to the flexible membrane to providestructural support for the various features of the sealing assembly1701. The sealing component 226 shown in FIG. 17 comprises petrolatum,but any other suitable type of sealing component 226 that can be, forexample, compressed or extruded may be used in alternative embodiments.

The sealing assembly 1701 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 includesthe toilet horn receptacle 206, the funnel 209, and the sealing rim 213.However, the sealing assembly 1701 shown does not include a channel wall203 that forms a channel 223. Instead, the portion of the sealingassembly 1701 that forms the funnel 209 is positioned within the openingof the sealing component 226, and the portion of the sealing assembly1701 that forms the toilet horn receptacle 206 is positioned on the topsurface of the sealing component 226. As shown, the length of the funnel209 in various embodiments may extend from the top surface of thesealing component 226 to the bottom surface of the sealing component226. In alternative embodiments, the funnel 209 may not extend all theway to the bottom surface of the sealing component 226, or the funnel209 may extend further below the bottom surface of the sealing component226.

In various embodiments, the sealing assembly 1701 may comprise or beassociated with various types of components and/or features. Forexample, the sealing assembly 1701 may comprise or be associated withears 216 a-216 b, a sealing assembly flange 900, multiple sealingcomponents 226 a-226 b, a hoop 600, a sealed bladder 500, a cover 700, aring 1006, and/or another type of component and/or feature.

With reference to FIGS. 18A-18B, shown are cross-section views of aprogression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 1701 that is shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 18A showsthe sealing assembly 1701 in relation to the sealing component 226 thecloset collar 100, the finished floor 103, the drain pipe 106, and aportion of the toilet 300.

As shown, the toilet 300 has been positioned on the sealing assembly1701 and lowered towards the finished floor 103. As a result, thesealing rim 213 has been flexed around the toilet horn 303 and forceddownward towards the closet collar 100. As a result, the sealing rim 213may make a seal with respect to the toilet 300.

Lowering the toilet 300 has also forced the toilet horn receptacle 206and the funnel 209 of the sealing assembly 1701 downward towards thecloset collar 100. As a result, at least a portion of the sealingcomponent 226 may be extruded and forced into the region between thefunnel 209 and the closet collar 100 because the sealing component 226is positioned between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closet collar100. The funnel 209 may restrict at least a portion of the sealingcomponent 226 from being forced into the passageway for the drain pipe106 and interfering with waste that passes through the funnel 209 to thedrain pipe 106. Additionally, at least a portion of the sealingcomponent 226 may be extruded and forced radially outward away from thefunnel 209, as shown.

With reference to FIG. 18B, shown is a second drawing depicting theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed using the sealing assembly1701. As compared to FIG. 18A, the toilet 300 has been lowered so thatis contacts the finished floor 103. Additionally, the toilet hornreceptacle 206 and the funnel 209 of the sealing assembly 1701 have beenforced further downward towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, more ofthe sealing component 226 has been extruded into the region between thefunnel 209 and the closet collar 100, as compared to that which is shownin FIG. 18A. Additionally, more of the sealing component 226 has beenforced radially outward with respect to the funnel 209. In particular, aportion the sealing component 226 has been forced outward and over thecloset collar flange 109, as shown. Thus, liquids and/or gasses may beprevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closetcollar 100.

With reference to FIGS. 19A-19B, shown is another example of the sealingassembly 1701 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In particular, FIG. 19A shows a cross-section of the sealingassembly 1701 and the sealing component 226 with a shell 1903, and FIG.19B shows a perspective view of the sealing assembly 1701 and thesealing component 226 with the shell 1903. The sealing assembly 1701 andthe sealing component 226 shown in FIG. 18 are similar to the sealingassembly 1701 shown in FIG. 17.

The shell 1903 may surround at least a portion of the sealing component226. According to various embodiments, the shell 1903 may comprise, forexample, plastic, paper, and/or any other type of suitable material. Theshell 1903 in various embodiments may comprise an outer wall 1906, aninner wall 1909 (not visible in FIG. 19B), a top wall 1913, and/or othercomponents. The outer wall 1906 may be be continuously annular and coverat least a portion of the outer surface of the sealing component 226.The inner wall 1909 may be continuously annular and cover at least aportion of the inner surface of the sealing component 226. The top wall1913 may cover the top surface of the sealing component 226 and connectthe outer wall 1906 to the inner wall 1909. The outer wall 1906 mayextend from the top wall 1913 to the bottom of the sealing component226. The inner wall 1909 may or may not extend to the bottom of thesealing component 226 according to various embodiments.

The shell 1903 may include one or more lines 1916 a-1916 e that maycircumscribe at least a portion of the outer wall 1906. The lines 1916a-1916 e may comprise perforations, cuts, relatively thin wallthicknesses, or any type of feature that facilitates the shell 1903being collapsed as will be described below.

With reference to FIGS. 20A-20C, shown are cross-section views depictinga progression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 1701 and the shell 1903 that are shown inFIGS. 19A-19B. Beginning with FIG. 20A, shown is a first drawingdepicting the progression of the toilet 300 being installed over thecloset collar 100. FIG. 20A shows the sealing assembly 1701, the sealingcomponent 226, and the shell 1903 in relation to the closet collar 100,the finished floor 103, the drain pipe 106, and a portion of the toilet300.

As shown, the sealing component 226 with the shell 1903 has beenpositioned on the closet collar flange 109, and the sealing assembly1701 has been poisoned on the shell 1903 with the funnel 209 insertedinto the opening of the sealing component 226. As such, the bottom ofthe sealing component 226 and the shell 1903 may contact the closetcollar flange 109. Additionally, it is noted that the sealing component226 and the shell 1903 have not yet been deformed from the form shown inFIGS. 19A-19B.

As shown, the toilet 300 has been positioned over the sealing assembly1701 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the toilet hornreceptacle 206. Additionally, the toilet bolt receptacles 313 a-313 b inthe toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toilet bolts 309 a-309b.

With reference to FIG. 20B, shown is a second drawing representing theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar100. As compared to FIG. 20A, the toilet 300 has been lowered towardsthe finished floor 103. As a result, the sealing rim 213 has been flexedaround the toilet horn 303 and forced towards the closet collar 100.

Additionally, the toilet 300 has forced the sealing assembly 1701downward towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, at portion of thesealing component 226 has been forced into the region between the funnel209 and the closet collar 100. Additionally, the lowering of the toilet300 has forced the shell 1903 to be compressed between the sealingassembly 1701 and the closet collar flange 109. As shown, the shell 1903may collapse when compressed between the closet collar flange 109 andthe sealing assembly 1701. In this regard, the shell 1903 may crack,fold, crumple, and/or flex about one or more of the lines 1916 a-1916 ewhen compressed between the sealing assembly 1701 and the closet collarflange 109. In this way, the shell 1903 may restrict at least a portionof the sealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealingassembly 1701 and the closet collar flange 109. Additionally, the shell1903 may not prevent the sealing assembly 1701 from being lowered intothe desired installed position.

With reference to FIG. 20C, shown is a third drawing depicting theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed using the sealing assembly1701 and the shell 1903. As compared to FIG. 20B, the toilet 300 hasbeen lowered so that it contacts the finished floor 103. Additionally,the toilet 300 has forced the sealing assembly 1701 further towards thedrain pipe 106. As a result, the funnel 209 has been forced furtherdownward into the closet collar 100. Additionally, the sealing rim 213has made a seal with respect to the toilet 300. Thus, liquids and/orgases may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1701and the toilet 300.

Furthermore, more of the sealing component 226 has been forced into theregion between the funnel 209 and the closet collar 100. Some of thesealing component 226 may also be forced radially outward away from thefunnel 209 and over the closet collar flange 109. Thus, liquids and/orgases may be prevented from passing between the sealing assembly 1701and the toilet 300.

As shown, the shell 1903 has collapsed due to the toilet 300 beinglowered into the position shown. Because the lines 1916 a-1916 e (notshown in FIG. 20C) have facilitated the shell 1903 being collapsed, theshell 1903 may not prevent the sealing assembly 1701 from being loweredinto the position shown. In this regard, the shell 1903 may crack, fold,crumple, and/or flex so that the sealing assembly 1701 may be positionedas shown in FIG. 20C.

With reference to FIGS. 21A-21B, shown is another example of a sealingassembly 200, referred to herein as the sealing assembly 2101, accordingto various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG.21A shows an exploded view of the sealing assembly 2101 with a ring 1006and a sealing assembly adapter 2103, and FIG. 21B shows a cross-sectionof the sealing assembly 200, the ring 1006, and the sealing assemblyadapter 2103 in a partially assembled state,

The sealing assembly 2101 shown in FIGS. 21A-21B is similar to thesealing assembly 200 shown in FIG. 8. For example, the sealing assembly2101 forms a channel 223 in which a sealing component 226, such aspetrolatum or any other type of sealing substance, can be disposed.Additionally, the channel 223 shown in FIGS. 21A-21B is formed betweenthe funnel 209 and the channel wall 203. Furthermore, the channel wall203 extends from the bottom of the toilet horn receptacle 206.

The ring 1006 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21A-21B may be rigid. Assuch, the ring 1006 may be constructed of, for example,polyvinylchloride (PVC) rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),thermoplastic rubber (TPR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylenepropylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS) plastic, polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic, neoprene, foam rubber,silicone, and/or any other suitable material. The ring 1006 may comprisea groove 2106 that may comprise several holes. The groove 2106 and holesmay facilitate attachment of the ring 1006 to the sealing assembly 2101using, for example, an overmolding process. The ring 1006 may restrictthe end of the channel wall 203 from deforming when the sealing assembly2101 is compressed between the toilet 300 and the closet collar 100.Thus, the ring 1006 may facilitate maintaining the end of the channelwall 203 against the closet collar flange 109. In turn, this may preventthe sealing component 226 from being forced out between the sealingassembly 2101 and the closet collar flange 109. As a result, the sealingcomponent 226 may be forced down between the funnel 209 and the closetcollar 100.

In various embodiments, the ring 1006 may also comprise slots 2109a-2109 b or ring holes 1009 a-1009 b through which the toilet bolts 309a-309 b may be inserted. By having slots 2109 a-2109 b instead of ringholes 1009 a-1009 b, toilet bolts 309 a-309 b with various diametersand/or that are positioned at various distances from the center of thecloset collar 100 may be compatible with the ring 1006.

Various embodiments of the sealing assembly 2101 may or may not use thesealing assembly adapter 2103. Various portions of the sealing assemblyadapter 2103 may be flexible or rigid. As such, the sealing assemblyadapter 2103 may be constructed of, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC)rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR),styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, polyoxymethylene(POM) plastic, neoprene, foam rubber, silicone, and/or any othersuitable material. The sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be used, forexample, in cases in which the distance between the finished floor 103and the closet collar flange 109 is relatively large. In such cases, thesealing assembly adapter 2103 may facilitate forming a seal for thecloset collar 100 while also maintaining a seal against the toilet 300.

In alternative embodiments, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 may be anintegrally molded portion of the sealing assembly 2101. In this regard,the sealing assembly adapter 2103 and the sealing assembly 2101 may forma unitary component. In such embodiments, the sealing assembly adapter2103 may be separated from the sealing assembly 2101 by a user tearing,cutting, or separating the sealing assembly adapter 2103 from thesealing assembly 2101 in any other suitable fashion.

The sealing assembly adapter 2103 in various embodiments may comprise anadapter funnel 2113, an adapter toilet horn receptacle 2116, an adaptersealing rim 2119, and/or other features. The adapter funnel 2113 is aportion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that is configured toinsert into the passageway of the sealing assembly 2101 that is formedby the toilet horn receptacle 206 and/or the funnel 209 of the sealingassembly 2101. Additionally, the adapter funnel 2113 forms a passagewaythrough which waste from the toilet 300 can flow. The adapter funnel2113 may be a portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that isrelatively rigid as compared to one or more other portions of thesealing assembly adapter 2103.

The adapter toilet horn receptacle 2116 may be a portion of the sealingassembly adapter 2103 that is configured to receive the toilet horn 303that is located on the bottom of the toilet 300. The adapter sealing rim2119 may be a portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103 that isconfigured to contact the toilet horn 303 and to form a seal for thetoilet 300. As such, the portion of the sealing assembly adapter 2103that forms the adapter sealing rim 2119 may be relatively flexible ascompared to other portions of the sealing assembly adapter 2103.

With reference to FIGS. 22A-22B, shown are cross-section views depictinga progression of a toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 2101 and the sealing assembly adapter 2103that are shown in FIGS. 21A-21B. Beginning with FIG. 22A, shown is afirst drawing depicting the progression of the toilet 300 beinginstalled over the closet collar 100. FIG. 22A shows the sealingassembly 2101 in relation to the closet collar 100, the finished floor103, the drain pipe 106, the sealing assembly adapter 2103, and aportion of the toilet 300.

As shown in FIG. 22A, the sealing assembly 2101 has been positioned overthe closet collar 100. It is noted that the sealing component 226container in the channel 223 of the sealing assembly 2101 has not yetbeen deformed or extruded from the channel 223. In this regard, thesealing component 226 has the same shape and form as the sealingcomponent 226 shown in FIG. 21B.

The toilet bolts 309 a-309 b that extend through the closet collarflange 109 of the closet collar 100 have been inserted through the slots2109 a-2009 b of the ring 1006. Inserting the toilet bolts 309 a-309 bthrough the corresponding slots 2109 a-2009 b may facilitate the properalignment of the sealing assembly 2101 with respect to the closet collar100.

As shown, the adapter funnel 2113 of the sealing assembly adapter 2103has been inserted into the toilet horn receptacle 206 of the sealingassembly 2101. To this end, at least a portion of the sealing rim 213 ofthe sealing assembly 2101 has been flexed downward towards the drainpipe 106.

Additionally, the toilet 300 is positioned over the sealing assemblyadapter 2103 so that the toilet horn 303 is aligned with the adaptertoilet horn receptacle 2116. Furthermore, the toilet bolt receptacles313 a-313 b in the toilet 300 are aligned with the corresponding toiletbolts 309 a-309 b.

With reference to FIG. 22B, shown is a second drawing representing theprogression of the toilet 300 being installed over the closet collar 100using the sealing assembly 2101 and the sealing assembly adapter 2103.As shown, the toilet 300 has been lowered so that is contacts thefinished floor 103. Additionally, the toilet horn receptacle 206 hasflexed the inner portion of the adapter sealing rim 2119 downwardtowards the drain pipe 106. Thus, the adapter sealing rim 2119 of thesealing assembly adapter 2103 may form a seal with respect to the toilet300.

As shown, the toilet 300 has also forced the sealing assembly adapter2103 downward towards the drain pipe 106. The toilet 300 may force thesealing assembly adapter 2103 downward by, for example, being pressedagainst the adapter sealing rim 2119 and/or the portion of the sealingassembly adapter 2103 that forms the adapter toilet horn receptacle2116. In response, the sealing assembly adapter 2103 has forced thesealing rim 213 and the toilet horn receptacle 206 of the sealingassembly 2101 downward towards the drain pipe 106. As a result, thesealing rim 213 has made a seal with respect to the sealing assemblyadapter 2103. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented from passingbetween the sealing assembly 2101, the sealing assembly adapter 2103,and the toilet 300.

Because the sealing assembly adapter 2103 has forced the toilet hornreceptacle 206 further towards the drain pipe 106, the funnel 209 hasalso been forced further into the closet collar 100 towards the drainpipe 106. In turn, the channel wall 203 has been flexed about the bend219 and/or at other locations. Thus, the sealing assembly 2101 has beencompressed between the sealing assembly adapter 2103 and the closetcollar 100. As a result, the sealing component 226 has been extrudedfrom the sealing assembly 2101 to the region between the funnel 209 andthe closet collar 100. Thus, liquids and/or gases may be prevented frompassing between the sealing assembly 2101 and the closet collar 100.

With reference to FIG. 23, shown is a flowchart 2300 that provides anexample of the operation of the sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501,1701, or 2101 according to various embodiments. In particular, theflowchart 2300 or 1701, or 2101 according to various embodiments.Although the flowchart 2300 shows a specific order of performance, it isunderstood that the order of performance may differ according to variousembodiments. Additionally, various numbers shown in the flowchart 2300may be skipped in various embodiments.

Beginning at number 2303, the sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501,1701, or 2101 is positioned on the closet collar 100. Next, the toilet300 is positioned over the sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501, 1701,or 2101 as shown at number 2306. The sealing assembly 200, 1101, 1301,1501, 1701, or 2101 is then compressed between the toilet 300 and thecloset collar 100, as indicated at number 2309. As shown at number 2313,the seal is then formed for the toilet 300 and/or the closet collar 100.In this regard, the sealing component 226 may be forced downward betweenthe closet collar 100 and the funnel 209. For example, for embodimentsin which the sealing component 226 comprises petrolatum, the petrolatummay be extruded to form a seal. As another example, if the sealingassembly 200, 1101, 1301, 1501, 1701, or 2101 comprises a sealed bladder500, the sealed bladder 500 may be compressed and forced downward toform the seal against the closet collar 100.

It is emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth fora clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Manyvariations and modifications may be made to the above-describedembodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit andprinciples of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations areintended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure andprotected by the following claims.

Therefore, the following is claimed:
 1. A sealing apparatus, comprising:a flexible toilet horn receptacle wall; a flexible annular channel wallcircumscribing the toilet horn receptacle wall, the annular channel walland at least the toilet horn receptacle wall forming a continuousannular receptacle; a foam sealing component disposed in the continuousannular receptacle such that an inner wall of the foam sealing componentcircumscribes the toilet horn receptacle wall and such that the annularchannel wall circumscribes at least a portion of an outer wall of thefoam sealing component, the foam sealing component comprising a planarbottom surface extending between a bottom edge of the inner wall and abottom edge of the outer wall, where the flexible toilet horn receptaclewall, flexible annular channel wall and foam sealing component deformwhen compressed between a toilet and a closet collar; and a sealing rimpositioned at a first end of the toilet horn receptacle wall, wherein atleast a portion of the sealing rim extends inwardly from the first endof the toilet horn receptacle wall towards a center axis of the sealingapparatus.
 2. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising afunnel extending from a second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall.3. The sealing apparatus of claim 2, wherein the funnel comprises atransition between the second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall anda lower portion of the funnel, the transition extending inward from thesecond end of the toilet horn receptacle wall towards the center axis ofthe sealing apparatus, wherein a first end of the transition has a firstinner diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the second end ofthe toilet horn receptacle wall and a second end of the transition has asecond inner diameter less than the first inner diameter.
 4. The sealingapparatus of claim 3, wherein the lower portion of the funnel istapered.
 5. The sealing apparatus of claim 2, further comprising anadditional sealing component configured to be positioned between thefoam sealing component and the closet collar, the additional sealingcomponent comprising a planar top surface adjacent to the planar bottomsurface of the foam sealing component, the additional sealing componentcircumscribing at least a portion of the funnel.
 6. The sealingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the continuous annular receptacle issealed at an upper end adjacent to the first end of the toilet hornreceptacle wall and open at a lower end opposite the upper end.
 7. Thesealing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the upper end of the continuousannular receptacle is sealed between the toilet horn receptacle wall andthe annular channel wall.
 8. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe toilet horn receptacle wall tapers inward towards the center axis ofthe sealing apparatus from the first end to a second end.
 9. The sealingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the sealing rim defines an opening havinga diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the toilet hornreceptacle wall at the first end.
 10. The sealing apparatus of claim 9,wherein the sealing rim is configured to contact a horn of a toilet. 11.The sealing apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sealing rim flexestowards a second end of the toilet horn receptacle wall when contactedby the horn of the toilet.
 12. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe sealing rim is oriented substantially perpendicular to the centeraxis of the sealing apparatus.
 13. The sealing apparatus of claim 1,further comprising first and second ears extending outward from theannular channel wall.
 14. The sealing apparatus of claim 13, wherein thefirst and second ears extend radially outward in opposite directions.15. The sealing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the annular channel wallcomprises a first end adjacent to the first end of the toilet hornreceptacle wall and a second end opposite the first end, wherein thefirst and second ears extend outward from the second end of the annularchannel wall.
 16. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thecontinuous annular receptacle is defined by a one-piece structurecomprising the toilet horn receptacle wall, the annular channel wall andthe sealing rim.
 17. The sealing apparatus of claim 16, wherein theone-piece structure further comprises a funnel extending from a secondend of the toilet horn receptacle wall.
 18. The sealing apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the one-piece structure is constructed of at least oneof thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR),ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, foam rubber, orsilicone.
 19. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foam sealingcomponent adheres to at least one surface of the continuous annularreceptacle.
 20. The sealing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the foamsealing component is a foam ring.